September 2nd, 2010
BMX bikes are growing more popular, but with so many choices available, choosing the bmx bike that’s right for you might be a bit of challenge. Here are some guidelines to help you choose. A lot depends on what you intend to use your bike for. Racing, jumping, and freestyle are three different uses of this kind of bike. You may also want to use your bike for everyday use, like riding it on the road to a shop, or going on dirt trails while you are camping.
If you want to use your bike for tricks, or ride it on paved roads and in parks, your best bet is the freestyle BMX. If you want a classic bike for racing, or for everyday use, the classic BMX, or true bmx, is your choice. And if you want something in between, for jumps and ramping, you should choose the jump BMX.
You should also decide what material you want your bike to be made of. Classic bmx bikes are made of aluminium, which is lightweight, but more expensive. The Freestyle bikes and the jump bikes are usually made of steel frames, or mixed metal, and are heavier than the classic bikes, but also more sturdy and cost effective. Something else to consider is the type of rims on your bike. Classic bikes usually have lightweight, aluminium rims which makes them faster. Freestyle bikes have mag rims, and jump bikes have 48-spoke rims or other strong, sturdy rims to support the impact of jumps and tricks.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, bmx biking, bmx safety advice
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September 1st, 2010
BMX bikes came onto the scene in the 1960’s. They were a takeoff on the motocross motorcycles, and became very popular with kids who admired these and wanted to learn some bike tricks of their own. The classic BMX was the first BMX bike, and is still very popular today. However, you should consider what you want to use your bmx bike for.
If you want a bike for jumping, you may not want a classic bmx. The classic bmx can’t support a lot of high jumps and hard landings. The frame is lightweight, which means it will jump easily, but also means that it won’t land so well. You need a sturdier frame for jumps, so you should choose a jump model such as a Barracuda BMX Grind.
If you want a bike for tricks, but you also intend to use it on flat roads and pavement, you’ll want a freestyle bmx. These are heavier, steel frames, but they can take a lot of impact, and they are sturdy and reliable. For a good freestyle bike, try a MirraCo. If you do want a classic BMX, or true BMX, there are many choices. These bikes were built for racing, and the light aluminium frame makes for smooth, fast riding. A Redline is a good classic BMX choice. There are many different styles and brands of BMX bike, but deciding what you want to use your bike for is the best way to figure out which bike is best for you.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, bmx biking, bmx frames
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August 30th, 2010
Many riders new to BMX will often hear or read about the importance of chromoly in BMX bike construction, particularly with regard to the various types of BMX frame on the market. What is chromoly and how significant is it?
Chromoly is a steel alloy that makes use of two strength-inducing elements, chromium and molybdenum. Compared with normal high-tensile steel, chromoly has over 50% extra strength. The advantage of using chromoly in a bike’s construction is that the strength of high-tensile steel can be matched using lighter tubing; a factor that can help when performing high energy, strength-sapping freestyle tricks.
A BMX frame made from chromoly will usually tend to be more expensive than the equivalent high-tensile steel version, and this will also tend to be reflected in the price of any bike that contains a chromoly frame.
For the less experienced rider, however, a lightweight frame or bike may not necessarily be essential, particularly as the more complex, gravity-defying tricks can only be performed properly with a great deal of practice. Whilst easier manoeuvrability of a BMX bike may be a pleasant additional touch, the bike’s strength should be given more focus when choosing a complete model or when looking for a replacement frame.
Moreover, advancements in frame construction technology have led to other modifications like smaller drop outs (the parts of the frame that connect to the back wheel hub) also contributing to a reduction in overall bike weight.
At bmx.co.uk we can advise on the most appropriate, and affordable, quality BMX bikes and parts for any rider.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, BMX Frame, BMX Parts
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August 24th, 2010
BMX bikes are renowned for their specialist capabilities, both on the race track and in the park; yet in many cases those buying a BMX bike will find they can still use it as a general ‘ride around’ model.
BMX bikes are certainly unique in that they can do things that other bikes simply cannot. Whilst all BMX manoeuvres need careful practice in an appropriate environment such as a BMX park, the very fact that such manoeuvres can be attempted at all is testament to the strength and fine tuning of BMX bikes.
Vert BMX bikes are an extreme example which, in the hands of an experienced professional, can be propelled off the edge of a large half-pipe and into the air whereupon daring acrobatic spins can be performed. The bike then drops rapidly to the ground without suffering any impact or stress damage.
On a less ambitious scale, even dirt BMX bikes and racing BMX models are capable of small leaps and impacts that would put pay to the parts and connections on most conventional bikes.
Most BMX bikes however are also highly flexible in terms of overall movement and handling, making them just as ideal for simply cycling around the streets. It should be noted, however, that the single speed gear on most BMX bikes, and the relatively unusual riding stance needed, mean they are generally unsuitable for covering longer distances.
At bmx.co.uk we have many great value BMX bikes that are as much at home being ridden around the streets as they are when performing specialist manoeuvres.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, cheap BMX bikes, racing bmx
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August 22nd, 2010
Many of the BMX bikes one sees at parks, in the street, or at the race track are to some degree or other customised. BMX customisation can refer to anything from the design of a complete bike from scratch through to small personal alterations or modifications to a pre-bought complete BMX bike.
The complete top-to-toe custom BMX builds are often the work of the professional rider or experienced amateur. But these fully customised bikes are not mere vanity projects. The BMX market is replete with sophisticated, high performance BMX parts and specialist frames. For the knowledgeable rider this choice presents an unmissable opportunity to try and combine the optimum combination of components in order to maximise his or her riding abilities.
For the less experienced rider, customisation on a smaller level can still have its benefits. Simply arranging for an easier-to-grip saddle to be fitted, such as the slim Primo SL Pivotal seat designed by pro rider Nathan Williams for example, might benefit those riders looking to better secure their bike during mid-air turns.
Alternatively, changing one’s pedals to a lighter but more reliable design such as the Shadow Conspiracy Nostra Plastic range can benefit one’s attempts at performing certain riding manoeuvres.
Many riders will of course seize the opportunity when choosing such products to make sure that the colour or any graphics chosen will also benefit their BMX bike aesthetically.
At bmx.co.uk we can advise on the most appropriate BMX parts for any bike and will supply all at great value prices.
Tags: BMX, BMX Bikes, BMX Parts, bmx shop, replacement bmx parts
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